Man City 2 Fulham 0: Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne on target as Pep Guardiola’s side ease past Cottagers

RAHEEM STERLING responded to Pep Guardiola’s rallying call by finally ending his six match goal-scoring drought.

After last week’s rout of Burnley, the Manchester City boss said he needed more goals from his forwards  - including England ace Sterling.

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But he looked a man with a point to prove as he grabbed an early opener and won a penalty as City completely bossed the first half.

In fact, Sterling could have scored inside the first couple of minutes as he latched onto a pass from Riyad Mahrez but Fulham goalie Alphonse Areola got down well to save.

However it was only a short reprieve as Kevin de Bruyne slipped through Sterling and this time he slotted past the visitors keeper and into the far corner.

In Pep Guardiola’s 700^th game as a club manager, his team were completely in charge. The only surprise was it took them until the 26^th minute to double their lead.

Sterling jinked one way then the other before he was upended by Joachim Andersen and to win a clear penalty.

That was the 20^th spot-kick  Sterling has won in this competition – more than anyone ielse in the history of the competition - and he is still only 25 years old.

De Bruyne missed his last one here – against Liverpool a month ago – but this time he made no mistake, sending Areola the wrong way.

That was the 400^th goal City have scored in the Premier League under Pep – in only their 162^nd game in the dug-out.

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It was now just a question of how many City would win by and Areola was kept busy – making a flying save from Sterling’s volley.

After the interval De Bruyne – who has yet to score from open play this season – smacked a shot against the bar and was then denied by Areola after being sent through by Mahrez.

Ederson had enjoyed a quiet afternoon but was called into action to deal with a left footed strike by Ivan Cavaleiro.

But despite an improved show by Fulham there was no comeback and City took their place back in the top four – temporarily at least.

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